Possible tornado damages plant in south Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS - Southwest Louisiana is emerging from downpours that have rivers and streams at or approaching flood stage.

National Weather Service hydrologist Jonathan Brazzell says flooding probably will affect mostly streets along rivers and streams. Eunice had nearly 11.2 inches of rain in the 24 hours ending at 7 a.m., and Iowa had 9.7 inches.

Gov. Bobby Jindal has declared a statewide emergency because of the storms.

The weather service says an industrial plant south of Plaquemine may have been damaged by a tornado Thursday morning. No injuries were reported.

The Louisiana National Guard sent a high-water truck and two soldiers each to Marksville and to Crowley, where the weather service reported 9.35 inches of rain in 24 hours.

Forecasters say the really bad weather is out of the state with the next wave of rain expected Saturday.